Kidneys are bean shaped organs which have numerous vital regulatory roles to play. Their chief function is the elimination of waste products of metabolism; they also carry out monitoring of electrolytes; maintain acid base balance and regulate the blood pressure.
The kidneys manufacture urine, and via the urine, the kidneys get rid of wastes such as ammonia and urea and importantly, also reabsorb water, amino acids and glucose.
The kidneys carry out these vital functions:
- The kidneys expel waste products of metabolism. These include ammonia, urea and uric acid; these are excreted via the urine.
- Re-absorption of vital nutrients is another significant function. The kidneys reabsorb water, glucose and amino acids.
- The kidneys along with the lungs control acid-base homeostasis, i.e. maintenance of pH.
- They also sustain normal osmolality.
- One of the most important functions is regulation of the blood pressure.
- Additionally, the kidneys also release a few hormones, such as, erythropoietin and the enzyme renin.
Thus, the normal working of the kidneys is very crucial for a healthy, disease free body; consequently, it is essential that the kidneys be strengthened and fortified to keep them in optimal health.
How To Strengthen Your Kidneys Naturally?
Along with eating right and maintaining normal weight, you can take certain simple steps to ensure that the kidneys are healthy and functioning well – keeping an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar level, exercising regularly, not smoking and being aware if any kidney disease runs in your family.
What’s more, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, particularly if you exercise frequently, is important for optimal kidney health.
- Curtail your consumption of coffee, sugar, chocolate, and stimulants.
- Cut down on your intake of salt.
- Steer clear of packaged fruit juices.
- Kidneys can be strengthened with homemade bone stocks.
- Ensure that you’re drinking 12 glasses of water per day.
- Include sea vegetables and sea food in to your diet.
- Make sure that your daily meals have a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Foods That Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
- Fluids: Staying well hydrated and consuming at least 10 to 12 glasses of water per day is vital for the prevention and treatment of any kidney disorder. Keeping the urine dilute is vital in order to keep the kidneys healthy and working optimally. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages to 1 cup a day since caffeine actually makes you dehydrated. Have plenty of water, juices, herbal teas and broths.
- Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables enhance kidney function. Grapes, cranberries and blueberries; onions, garlic, celery, beet, asparagus and spinach are recommended.
- Low-potassium foods: It is important that you monitor your potassium intake. If your potassium levels rise, you tend to face a risk of suffering a stroke or a heart attack.
- Iron-rich foods: In case you have been diagnosed with chronic renal disease, your body may have low reserves of iron. The kidneys have a part to play in the manufacture of RBCs, however, without an adequately functioning kidney, the RBC count may be too low, and consequently your energy levels tend to suffer. Consuming loads of iron rich foods like green leafy vegetables and eggs help increase your iron.
- Salty foods: Ensure that you restrict your consumption of salty and sodium loaded foods.